Lagos to construct 13 additional jetties to boost water transport
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has awarded the construction of 13 new jetties and terminals across the state in a bid to enhance the water transportation system and ensure safety on waterways.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Yacoob Ekudayo Alebiosu, during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing, highlighting the achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in its second term.
According to the Commissioner, the new jetties, some of which are nearing completion, will provide additional avenues for water transportation in the state.
Alebiosu said, “This expansion comes after the commissioning and handover of seven jetties and terminals to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) last year.
“To complement the existing jetties and create more avenues for water transportation, construction of 13 new Jetties are currently ongoing, while some are at advanced stages of completion. This is in addition to the seven jetties and terminals commissioned and handed over to LASWA for management last year.
“At completion, these jetties are expected to promote safe and easy water transportation, reduce travel time and travel distance of communities, reduce pressure on roads as well as enhance commerce and tourism. It will also improve cooperation and interactions among the riverine communities, open up reclamation opportunities for the creation of waterfront schemes and improve connectivity in the coastal areas.”
The Commissioner mentioned that a private estate, jointly owned by Fresh Water (FW) Dredging Limited, the Amosu Awori Family of Majidun, and others through Garland Trade and Investment Limited, is in progress to reclaim 150 hectares of waterfront land at Majidun Awori for commercial and real estate purposes, with over 15 percent completion achieved. Additionally, Alebiosu discussed the Eko Atlantic project, highlighting a Land Concession Agreement signed in 2006 between the state government and South Energyx Nigeria Ltd.
“A Land Concession Agreement was executed between the Lagos State Government and South Energyx Nig. Ltd in Year 2006 to provide a permanent solution to the Lagos Bar Beach Shoreline erosion in Victoria Island under Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
“The development of the Eko Atlantic City Project was incorporated into this agreement which is the reclamation and provision of Infrastructure on approximately 843.999 Hectares of land and the construction of an 8.5km defense wall which is known as the Great Wall of Lagos at approximately 8.5 meters above Sea level. Lagos State Government is entitled to five percent of the sale on each plot of land on the scheme which is a source of revenue for the State Government.
“The project is at 70 percent completion for reclamation with relevant Infrastructure already installed and approximately 6.75km of the defense wall constructed. This project has been able to prevent ocean surge and protect Victoria Island from erosion, provide job opportunities for people in and out of the created additional real estate (Land & Housing), enhance value of surrounding properties, increase State IGR and increase tourism activities in the State,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, Chairman of the House Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure Development, emphasized the significance of the Waterfront and Infrastructure ministry, highlighting its critical role in managing land use in Lagos State.
He referenced the Land Use Act, which vests the Governor with the responsibility of overseeing land management in the state.
Yishawu stressed that it is inconceivable for anyone to challenge the governor’s authority on land matters, as they are the rightful custodians of land management through state ministries
